Box, carton, or similar device



April 1944- M. 1. WILLIAMSON 2,345,646

BOX, CARTON, OR SIMILAR DEVICE Filed July 15, 1940 Patented Apr. 4, 1944 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 8 Claims.

My present invention relates to improved boxes, cartons or similar devices.

More specifically, the invention is directed to either of its ends, 1. e., at its top or at its bottom, or both, fins or vanes projecting exteriorly of such end or ends of the device. The panels forming such fins or vanes I term the fin-forming panels. Such provision of fins or vanes for a box, carton-or similar device formed from a fiat blank gives rise generally to panels-which I term end-forming panels-which latter panels when the box, carton or similar device is in set-up status attain position at an angle to the vertical and converge toward one another.

The closing of the box, carton or similar device at the fin provided end or ends is had by flaps respectively attached to the termini of such end-forming panels.

In preferred forms of the invetnion, the fins or vanes have their outermost edges extending vertically and at an angle to the vertical, converging toward one another.

The fins or vanes are variable in area and vertical height as-deslred, such variation being afforded by suitably cutting and scoring proper portions of the blank. Usually, the blank for forming a, collapsible container embodying the invention comprises sets of pairs of tin-forming panels, the tin-forming panels of each set being hingedly connected to one another by suitablev scoring to provide for projecting the resulting fin or vane in outward direction; the fin-forming panels of each set are respectively hingedly connected by a score line'with adjacent end-forming panels.

The invention is highly adapted to the production of collapsible boxes, cartons or other containers, the blank of which is formed of fiat stock, such as paper stock, paper board, or other suitable material. Such blank is readily folded and glued at opposing edge portions of the blank by means of a conventional collapsible box-forming machine. The printing, scoring, etc., as desired, maybe carried out upon one face of the fiat blank.

Further features and objects of the invention will be more fully understood from the followin detail description and the accompanying drawing, in which 1 Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred type of set-up box, carton or other containerembodying the invention at its upper end or top;

Fig. 2 is a detail perspective view of the upper a .box, carton or similar device embodying at portion of Fig. 1, showing the panels thereat opened up; a

Fig. 3 is a plan view of a fiat blank adapted to form the set-up box, carton or other container shown in Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a box, carton or other container embodying the invention at its lower end or bottom;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of another preferred type of the invention embodied at its upper end or top and adding an ornamental closure part:

Fig. 6 is a detail plan view of a blank for forming the embodiment shown in Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a supplemental v closure part of Fig. 5;

Fig. 8 is a plan view of the blank thereof;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of another preferred type of the invention embodying the same at both ends, 1. e., at the top and bottom of the device.

Figs. 1 and 2 in perspective and Fig. 3 in plan view of the blank illustrate atype of preferred embodiment of th invention wherein the characteristics of the invention are applied at the upper end of a box, carton or similar device. In this embodiment, the body proper ll) of the box, carton, or similar device may be as preferred;

the body proper of the illustrated container isshown of conventional square configuration in cross-section, adaptable for containing a bottle or the like. Associated with such conventional or other approved body proper of such box, carton or similar device as embodied in the type similar device shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, is aflord- 1 ed by closurepanels which I term end-closing panels which are hingedly attached at the respectice termini of the end-forming panels I 3. One of these end-losing panels in th illustrated embodiment, is the closure-supporting flap on panel ll having a notch Ha formed at one side thereof adapted for cooperation with another similar flap or panel l4 which is correspondingly notched at ll'a for partial overlapping and, interengaging; for completing the closure, another end-closing panel or closure fiap A is provided with a I tab |5,.and the'fourth end-closing panel or closure flap MB is provided with a tuck-in tongue l, which, is adaptedto be inserted inthe slit l5a formed in the above named third end-forming panel l3 to which the end-closing panel IIA is connected.

The fins or vanes l2 are shown formed by finforming panels I6, 11, which hingedly interconnect adjacent end-forming panels 13, i3. In the instance of Figs. 1 and 2, the upwardly extending edges of the fins or vanes l2 are disposed in substantially vertical alignment with the edges iii of the body panels the. I

By reason of the relationship and mutual arrangement of th component panels, as appears from the illustrated embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2 when in set-up status, the fins or vanes converge toward one another and are disposed and contained within the zone bounded b the extension of the planes defining the contour of the body proper Ill.

The bottom of the box body l0 may be closed as preferred; as is indicated generally in Fig. 1 and specifically in Fig. 3, the bottom closing parts, i. e., the bottom panels being of conventional construction, viz. a panel l8 and a panel is, respectively hingedly connected to adjacent body panels Ina and associated-with a panel 2ll'hingedly connected with another body panel Ina, the panels I9, 20, being blanked to form interenga 1 ing notches indicated as at lSa and 20a, and the panel l8 being provided with aiclosing tab 118a.

As shown in Fig. 3, the blank of the carton, container or the like illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2. may be formed offlat stock and may comprise the four panels Ina or! the box body proper, hingedly connected in seriatim with one another at the score lines 2!, 2|, 2|. Each panel lila is hingedly connected to-its end-forming panel i3 at the score lines 22, 22, 22, 22. The score lines 23, 23, 23 serve as hinge connections of three of thebody panels Illa with the bottom closing panels l8, l9 and 2|]. The panel 24, including its sub-panel "a, serves as an overlap with the application of glue or other suitable. adhesive for securement with corresponding areas adjacent the opposite edge 25 of the blank, in which operation the sub-panel Fla and the edge panel l'la' overlie one another. The lines 26, 26, etc., hingedly connecting each fin-forming panel It or I! with its adjacent end-forming panel l3, are desirably but not necessarily perforated or. formed by serrated die elements; the lines 21, 21, etc., hingedly connecting the finforming sets of panels l6, I! with one another are desirably but not necessarily cut-scores or scores formed by sharp edged die elements, in any event so scored as to facilitate the respective outward and inward folding of the material on the stated scores whereby the fin-forming panels and the end-forming panels are moved into their respectiv positions indicated in Figs. 2 and 1, upon completing the closure of the container.

The embodiment illustrated in Fig. 4 employs my invention as a component of the lower end or bottom of a box, carton or the like, and'like parts are designated by like reference characters. In this type of embodiment, the lower part II is closed in a manner corresponding to the closing of the upper part of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2. The upper part, i. e., top, is shown closed by conventional assembly of oppositely lying panels, to wit, side panels 30 hingedly attached to opposing body panels Illa, Illa,

and a cover panel 8| having a terminal map 3|a adapted to be received between the inner face of the front body panel Ma and the front end edges of the side-panels 30, 30. The blank from which the box, carton, or similar device of the lows generally the embodiment shown in Figs, 1,

2 and 3, and like parts are designated by like reference characters. As appears from Figs. 5 and 6, the embodiment therein illustrated comprises fins l2 which by comparison of Fig.6 with Fig. 3 have an enlarged area giving rise to apexes l2a which extend above the superposed closure panels i4, I 4, [4A, B when the carton is setup and closed. Itwill be noted from Fig. 6 that each ofthe panels l4, I4, I 4A, [4B are provided with cut-away, i. e., notched, flaps as indicated at Ma respectively as a variant compared with the corresponding panels shown in the blank illustrated in Fig; 3; however, the carton exemplified by Fig. 6 may have the formations shown in Fig. 3,if desired. I

The'closure part 32 shown in Figs. 7 and 8 serves to conceal the overlapping closing panels, or may serve as a supplemental closure part. This part is physically separate from the carton, and is shown in assembled formation in Fig. '7 and in the blank in Fig. 8. Referring to the blank shown in Fig. 8, it comprises a set of five panels 32a suitably blanked and scored at lines 33 in quasi-fan formation, which when folded successively results in the closure part 32, shown in Fig. '7. It will be noted that the end panels overlie one another, so that the effective total number of panels is four, in this instance, the tip portions 34 of which are received and held within slots l5a formed in the respective endforming panels l3.

If preferred, the box, carton or similar device illustrated in Fig. 5, may be formed without endclosing panels such as l4, 14', MA, and MB,

namely, by reference to the blank shown in Fig. 6, by severing at the respective lines l3b. In such arrangement the closure part 32 serves per se as the closure of the end-opening of the box, carton or similar device, the retention of the tongue portions 34 'of the respective panels of the closure part 32 with the receiving slits lid, and the engagement of the panels of the closure part 32 with the underlying upper portions of the endforming panels i3, functioning to hold the endforming panels l3 in their respective positions as indicated in Fig. 5.

Fig. 9 illustrates a type in which the invention is embodied at both the top and the bottom of the box, carton or similar device and like parts are designated by like reference characters.

It will be noted from Fig. 9, that the end-closing panel B, in addition to its terminal closing tab [5' is provided with a closing tab |5a hingedly connected to one of its lateral sides, such lateral closing tab ISA being inserted in a receiving and retaining slit l5a of its associated end-forming panel I3. Likewise, another lateral closing tab, corresponding to I5A, may be hingedly connected to the opposite lateral side of the end-closing panel MB and similarly inserted in a retaining slot, similar to the shown slots l5a, in its associated end-forming panel l3.

Such one or more additional or lateral closing tabs |5A for the panel B, retained in such slits 15a in the associated end-forming panels l3,

assacsc may be employed in the embodiment shown in Figs. ,1 and 2 and similarly in the embodiment shown in Fla. 4.

Each tuck-in tongue preferably has the contour shown in Fig. 3, see l5, and is dimensioned to effect positive locking when inserted in its retaining slit lid.

It will be observed from the several types of embodiments illustrated in the drawing that when the end-forming panels II. and the fin-forming panels l6, H are in fully opened position, the extent, i. e., cross-sectional area, of the opening of the device is equal to the cross-sectlonal area of the body proper of the device, thus aifording full facility for filling purposes, an advantage which is of high importance when filling by the use of standard filling machines.

, A characteristic of the invention, as appears from the above described various types, resides in the fact that the end-forming panels, when moved from fully opened position toward and above set forth, the end-closing panels when in 80 closed status forming a fiatwise formation at the thus closed end of the device.

From the above, it appears that the invention in its various types of embodiment affords a marked improvement in boxes, cartons or similar devices. Embodiments of the inventionwhen utilized as a box or carton for containing an article such as a bottle or the like, may be configurated to simulate the configuration of such contained article and to add features of ornamentation, thus enhancing the attractiveness of the goods for display and sales appeal. Such and further advantages are attained pursuant to the invention by structures of the box, carton or similar device which are adapted to be economically manufactured in quantity, readily filled with the desired merchandise, and simply closed.

When packed side by side and/or one upon anpanels and which defines an end opening; closure means adapted to cover said end opening, and including panel means adapted to extend between mutually adjacent fins in substantially face-toface relationship with a limited portion of at least one of said extension wall, panels, and tuckin tongue means extending from said panel means; and receiving slit means disposed in the said at least one of said extension wall panels and adapted to engage said tongue means for securing said closure means in its closed position and for retaining said extension of the box body in truncated form.

2. A folding box comprising lateral wall panels forming a box body; panel extensions from the ends of said lateral wall panels at one end of said box body, said panel extensions being joined latorally to form an extension of said box body; fold lines extending longitudinally of said panel extensions and arranged angularly relative to one another, said fold lines rendering said extension of the box body capable of being converged to a substantially truncated formation which has cutwardly extending fins disposed at corners thereof between mutually adjacent extension wall panels and which defines an end opening; closure means adapted to cover said end opening, and including oppositely disposed closure-supporting flaps adapted for mutual interlocking to aid in maintaining said extension of said box body in,

converging formation, panel means adapted to extend between mutually adjacent fins in substantially face-to-face relationship with a limited portion of at least one of said extension wall panels, and tuck-in tongue means extending from said panel means; and receiving slit means disposed in the said at least one of said extension wall panels and adapted to engage said tongue means other in shipping containers, devices embodying the invention of like or duplicate formation, as appears from Figs. 1 and 9, fulfill the requirement of protection of the contained articles during severest handling in shipment or other disposition, without danger of breakage or rupture of the vanes or fin-like formations which by their construction as aforesaid are precluded from contact with any part of any adjacent device.

Whereas I have described my invention by reference to specific forms thereof, it will be understood that many changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

I claim:

1. A folding box comprising lateral wall panels forming a box body; panel extensions from the ends of said lateral wall panels at one end of said box body, said panel extensions being Joined laterally to form an extension of said box body: fold lines extending longitudinally of said panel extensions and arranged angularly relative to one another,-said fold lines rendering said extension of the box body capable of being converged to a substantially truncated formation which has outwardly extending fins disposed at corners thereof between mutually adjacent extension wall for securing said closure means in its closed position and for retaining said extension of the box body in truncated form.

3. A folding box comprising lateral wall panels forming a box body; panel extensions from the ends of said lateral wall panels at one end of said box body, said panel extensions being joined laterally to form an extension of said box body; fold lines extending longitudinally of said panel extensions and arranged angularly relative to one another, said fold lines rendering said extension of the box body capable of being converged to a substantially truncated formation which has cutwardly extending I fins disposed at the corners thereof between mutually adjacent extension wall panels and which defines a substantially centrally located end opening; a removable closure cap adapted to seat over and cover said opening and having wall panels adapted to extend between mutually adjacent fins in substantially face-toi'ace relationship with limited portions of said extension wall panels; tuck-in tongues extending from the said walls of said closure cap; and receiving slits disposed in the said extension wall panels and adapted to engage said tongues for securing said closure cap in its closed position and for retaining said extension of the box body in truncated form.

.4. A folding box comprising lateral wall panels forming a box body; panel extensions from the ends of said lateral wall panels at one end of fold lines extending longitudinally of said panel extensions and arranged angularly relative to one having wall panels adapted to extend between mutually adjacent fins in substantially face-toiace relationship with limited portions of said extension wall panels; tuck-in tongues extending from the said wall panels of said closure cap; and receiving slits disposed in the said extension wall panels and adapted to engage said tongues for securing said closure cap in its. closed position and for retaining said extension of the box body in truncated form.

5. A folding box comprising lateral wall panels forming a box. body: panel extensions from the ends of said lateral wall panels at one end of said box body, said panel extensions being joined laterally to form an extension of said box body: fold lines extending longitudinally of said panel extensions and arranged angularly relative to one another, said i'old lines rendering said extension of the box body capable of being converged to a substantially truncated formation which has outwardly extending fins disposed at corners thereof between mutually adjacent extension wall panels and which defines an end opening; closure means-adapted to cover said end opening, and including panel means adapted to extend between two mutually adjacent fins in substantially faceto-face relationship with a limited length of the extension wall panel which lies between said two mutually adjacent fins, and a tuck-in tongue extending from said panel means; and a receiving slit disposed in the said extension wall panel and adapted to engage said tuck-in tongue for securing said closure means in its closed position and for retaining said extension of the box body in truncated iorm.

6. A folding box comprising lateral wall panels forming a box body; panel extensions from the ends of said lateral wall panels at one end of said box body, said panel extensions being joined laterally to form an extension of said box body;

fold lines extending longitudinally of said panel extensions and arranged angularly relative to one another, said told lines rendering said extension of the box body capable of being converged to a substantially truncated formation which has outwardly extending fins disposed at corners thereof between mutually adjacent-extension wall panels and which defines an end opening; closure means adapted to cover said end opening, and including oppositely disposed closure-supporting flaps adapted for mutual interlockingto aid in maintaining said extension of said box body in converging formation, panel means adapted to extend between two mutually adjacent fins in substantially face-to-iace relationship with a limited length of the extension wall panel which lies between said two mutually adjacent fins, and a tuck-in tongue extending from said panel means; and a receiving slit disposed in the said extension wall panel and adapted to engage said tuck-in tongue for securing said closure means in its closed position and for retaining said extension of the box body in truncated form.

7. A folding box as recited in claim 5 wherein the stated receiving slit extends transversely across the width of its extension wall panel, the stated tuck-in tongue oi the closure means is of substantially the same width as the said receiving slit, and the said panel means converges back- Vwar'dly thereirom'in substantially the same man her as the said extension wall panel converges.

8. A folding box comprising lateral wall panels forming a box body; panel extensions from the ends of said lateral wall panels at one end of said box body, said panel extensions being serially joined laterally relatively to one another to form an extension of said box body; fold lines extending longitudinally of said panel extensions and arranged angularly relative to one another, said fold lines rendering said extension of the box body capable of being converged to a substantially truncated formation having outwardly extending fins disposed at corners thereof between mutually adjacent extension panels, the extremities of said panel extensions defining an end opening; closure means extending from the extremities of certain of said panel extensions and tuck-in flap means extending from other of said panel extensions arranged to-cooperate with said closure means for closing said opening and for interlocking said panel extensions to maintain said panel extensions in converging position.

- MARSHALL I. WILLIAMSON. 

